Share the Dignity: Persuasive Speech

Speech notes for the founder of Share the Dignity, Rochelle Courtenay for a panel discussion on Homeless Women and Menstrual Health 

Target audiences: government officers, women advocates and other organisations help homeless people

Hi everyone,

This is my honour to stand here today as a voice advocating for many homeless women who face unimaginable difficulties. It is extremely heartbreaking that these vulnerable women are deprived of essential period products, decent sanitary facilities, and menstrual healthcare service, resulting in a major deterioration in their menstrual health. Sadly, this critical issue is always overlooked. Therefore, I implore all esteemed government leaders and women advocates to prioritise the accessibility of quality menstrual products and services for homeless women. In my speech, I will give you three compelling reasons why action is necessary on this matter.

First, let me give you a clear picture of the challenges that homeless women face while attempting to obtain period products, hygiene facilities, and menstrual health care services. According to ABS 2021 data, there are 54,000 homeless women in Australia. Thinking about this: 54,000 women grappling with survival, let alone affording period products. Instead, they have to use inadequate substitutes like clothes or toilet paper. This is even worse when homeless women have to access “unsanitary" and “gross" facilities like public restrooms or gas stations during their period because they have no other option.

These pressing concerns truly put homeless women's health at risk. They experience severe infectious diseases, resulting in a three-decade shorter average lifespan than normal women. However, these homeless women were even unable to receive menstrual health services. Accessing healthcare is already an arduous task for those without stable housing, let alone obtaining the essential menstrual health services that are often dismissed and stigmatised. Therefore, I believe that access to menstruation products is not just an issue of hygiene but a fundamental aspect of public health.

Typically, with most homeless individuals, including homeless women, lacking healthcare or a primary care physician, they often turn to hospital emergency rooms, which are legally obligated to provide care regardless of one's ability to pay. This escalated expenditure on the healthcare sector, posing a significant burden on the healthcare system, consequently impacts the overall economy of an entire nation.

Allow me to present a prime example of how providing homeless women with access to menstrual health services can have a profound impact on economic outcomes. Take Scotland, for instance, where the implementation of the Period Products Act in 2021 made period products freely available to all women, including those experiencing homelessness. This initiative not only helped homeless women with their menstrual needs but also popularised the use of industrial menstrual products. It had a positive impact on the economy by boosting the manufacturing and distribution of tampons and pads. As a result, the menstrual products industry in Scotland is poised to reach a staggering $62.7 billion USD by 2033.  With such promising economic prospects, there is no reason for governments and community leaders not to take practical actions to address the issues faced by homeless women in accessing menstrual products, facilities, and health services, as it is beneficial for both parties involved.

However, let's not weigh too heavily on the notion of gains and losses when it comes to assisting our vulnerable communities, because there's something far more critical at stake here, and that's what I want to drive home as my final point: gender inequality and, above all, human rights. Menstruation is always a taboo topic as women are often perceived incorrectly as dirty and impure, which worsens in homeless women.  Many homeless women have told me that many menstruation providers are men, who sometimes look down on them or, if not, the period taboo itself acts as a barrier, causing homeless women to feel ashamed and not seek help. That's why tackling this issue, we will contribute to reducing gender inequality in society.

When addressing the issue of menstrual accessibility for homeless women, it is crucial to consider their fundamental human rights. As Hillary Clinton famously proclaimed, "Human rights are women's rights, and women's rights are human rights." I want to emphasise that menstruation is a natural aspect of women's biology, and homeless women are no exception. There are 54 thousand homeless women out there, they are also women, they are also human beings like us, and they have the right to access basic necessities, including menstrual products.

As my speech comes to a close, I once again urge governmental authorities to pay attention and take decisive action to ensure easy access to menstrual products, facilities, and healthcare services for homeless women. We must extend our helping hand to these vulnerable individuals, since our actions underscores the humanity of our society. As Mahatma Gandhi famously said, "The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members."

Thank you for your listening.

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Reference

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